If you are looking for a magical experience for all ages, you must visit The Dream Garden in Ballina, Co. Mayo. The beautiful walled garden of the Jackie Clarke Collection comes alive after dark with a lightscape of native Irish animals, birds and plants.
As you leave bustling Pearse Street in Ballina town, you will enter an oasis of calm, surrounded by creatures and light, with a soothing soundscape. You can sit and take in the atmosphere, and listen to collective gasps of ‘wow’ as families explore the garden.
And wow is the word I’d use to describe the Dream Garden, it really is something very special, and I’d love to see more things like this around the Northwest of Ireland. It encourages people to think about biodiversity and night skies, and it’s just so beautiful.
I also really loved that children were involved in the project and I heard some children pointing out creatures that they had made. They did a wonderful job.
Artist Tom Meskell has produced stunning illuminated sculptures, that will live in the garden until November the 26th. The garden is open from 5 – 8pm every night (except Mondays) and there is a sensory hour from 4 – 5pm. This is the perfect Winter experience and I’d really recommend it. Find out more on Ballina 2023: https://ballina2023.ie/tom-meskell-arts-project-november-2023/ There’s also a lovely worksheet for children on the link, where they can discover more about the animals and how important dark skies are for nocturnal creatures.
Well done to all involved in this lovely event. I didn’t take photos of all of it because it really is something that you need to see for yourself.
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